New Alfa Laval CM Connect leverages digitalization to optimize hygienic processing

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

The Alfa Laval CM Connect is a condition monitor and cloud gateway for plant operators to access data on processing lines from a remote location. Pic: Alfa Laval
The Alfa Laval CM Connect is a condition monitor and cloud gateway for plant operators to access data on processing lines from a remote location. Pic: Alfa Laval

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The new Alfa Laval CM Connect is a subscription-based condition monitor and cloud gateway, which enables plant operators to access data of rotating equipment on processing lines from a remote location.

With data on actual runtime, trend analysis, and time to next service close at hand, Alfa Laval said plant operators can make informed maintenance decisions using their personal computers and mobile devices. This protects process continuity and critical assets, improves workplace safety, saves time and money, and delivers competitive advantage.

As Industry 4.0 evolves, the company said its CM Connect is a “natural next step” on the customer digitalization journey, expanding the Alfa Laval range of condition monitoring solutions. With complete visibility of all connected assets, plant operators can detect issues impacting future performance, prevent unplanned downtime, and improve asset management.

Acting as a gateway communicating via Bluetooth, the CM Connect can link up to 10 Alfa Laval CM wireless vibration monitors, which were launched last year. It then transmits the data over a 4G cellular network to the cloud for review and analysis on a dashboard.

Advanced vibration analysis enables detection of any deviation from pre-set equipment threshold values. Should deviations occur, an SMS or e-mail notifies users, who can take action in real time based on data analysis.

“Focus on what matters. The CM Connect lets plant operators plan and prioritize maintenance based on actionable data,”​ said John Walker, portfolio manager, pumps, Alfa Laval.

“Rather than replacing wear parts in advance of their useful service life, operators can spend time and money when and where maintenance is required.”

Besides linking the CM wireless vibration monitors, the CM Connect can also act as a sensor. It measures vibration, inboard temperature, and total runtime when mounted on Alfa Laval LKH, SRU, SX and DuraCirc pumps, or other rotating machines, such as agitators or mixers.

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